Daniel Kelly

“I remain convinced that Daniel Kelly is one of the most stunningly original talents both as an
improviser and a leader that I have known in a long career of promoting this art form.
His musical ideas spring naturally from a visionary imagination…. He is also a dream to work with.”

— Paul Pines, Curator of the Lake George Jazz Weekend, Lake George, NY

Daniel Kelly is a composer, pianist and jazz educator who has been called “stunningly original” with “a visionary imagination.” His music draws inspiration from literature, visual art and journalism, captivating audiences across the country. A prolific composer and tireless musical explorer, Kelly continually seeks out new avenues for his creativity. 

Kelly is the recipient of the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Adventurous Programming Award, Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Grant, New York State Arts Council Individual Artist Grant and the Aaron Copland Fund. He is the co-founder and co-Artistic Director of Connection Works, an artist-run non-profit organization based in Brooklyn. Kelly has toured throughout Southeast Asia and India as part of the Kennedy Center and US State Department sponsored Jazz Ambassador program. Other notable international performances include benefit concerts for orphan children in the Kangemi slums of Nairobi, Kenya and a concert for the president of Costa Rica.

Available touring programs include:

  • Shakespeare in Jazz Kelly’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s works into fresh and dynamic jazz songs.

  • Blind Visionaries an impressive multi-media collaboration with The Seeing with Photography Collective.

  • ‘Tis The Season: A Holiday Jazz Celebration a joyful, family friendly concert where audiences can sing along to their holiday favorites!

 
 

Shakespeare in Jazz: All the World's a Song Delighted audiences sing along to catchy, original, jazz songs with lyrics by...Shakespeare!?! A smash hit in schoo...